The Gabriel Chronicles: Book 2—New Home

By Dennis Flannery

This novel begins where The Gabriel Chronicles: Book 1—the Beginning ends.

After the World Guidance Council (WGC) had taken complete control of the world’s governments and Alexander Gabriel had relinquished control of the WGC, he turned his mind to other things, extraordinary things. Scientists and engineers, led by the incomparable Dr. Isley and financed by Gabriel Industries, began designing and perfecting a new generation of prosthetics. These lifelike prosthetics looked, felt, and moved like a natural limb, allowing amputees throughout the world to begin living normal lives.

But Alex, Dr. Isley, and his team didn’t stop there. They took this incredible technology to its ultimate conclusion. They built a complete, viable, synthetic life form (SLF). But again, this wasn’t the end of Alex and Dr. Isley’s contributions. Over the following ten years, they designed and built a ship, a colossal ship—a ship to take all the best from Earth to colonize another planet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 12, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665573160

Dennis Flannery

Dennis Flannery was born and raised in Inglewood, California. For the past forty years, he has lived on a small ranch just outside of Bend, Oregon, with his wife, Zelia. He has three children and one grandson and has previously published two novels, The WGC and Gabriel. He and his wife enjoy traveling and have visited all seven continents.

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© 2022 Dennis Flannery. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or

transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  10/11/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7317-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-7316-0 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in

this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views

expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the

views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Dedication

Author’s Note

Prologue

Chapter 1     Gabriel Mansion

Chapter 2     Damascus, Syria

Chapter 3     The Hanly Jordan News Hour

Chapter 4     The Stuff

Chapter 5     The Body

Chapter 6     The Honor

Chapter 7     Transference

Chapter 8     Gabriel Mansion

Chapter 9     Pig Shit

Chapter 10   A New Man

Chapter 11   The Ship

Chapter 12   Announcement

Chapter 13   All Aboard

Chapter 14   Volunteer

Chapter 15   Two by Two

Chapter 16   Completion and Launch

Chapter 17    The Voyage

Chapter 18   He’s Gone

Chapter 19   First Planet

Chapter 20   First Time in Orbit

Chapter 21   A Walk Outside

Chapter 22   The Seeding

Chapter 23   Let it Grow

Chapter 24   Resurrection

Chapter 25   Get Together

Chapter 26   The Cave

Chapter 27   Harvest and Seed

Chapter 28   Home Sites

Chapter 29   Building Materials

Chapter 30   Kids and Clones

Chapter 31   Vance and Lara

Chapter 32   The Vout

Chapter 33   Let’s Talk

Chapter 34   Gold

Chapter 35   Planning for Malic

Chapter 36   The Malic Arrive

Chapter 37   Great Losses

Chapter 38   The Vout Return

Chapter 39   Here Come the Yassi

Chapter 40   The Marian

Chapter 41   Back to Gabriel

Chapter 42   The Gathering

Chapter 43   Little Rat Bastards

Chapter 44   Worldwide News Hour

Chapter 45   Mo-One 2, 100

DEDICATION

T his novel is dedicated to my wonderful wife Zelia. She is my best friend and the love of my life.

Also written by Dennis Flannery

THE GABRIEL CHRONICLES, BOOK 1 – THE BEGINNING

THE GABRIEL CHRONICLES, BOOK 2 – NEW HOME

THE GABRIEL CHRONICLES, THE SUPERIORS

AUTHOR’S NOTE

T his science-fiction novel, the second in a trilogy, is not totally based on conflict and violence, as most are, but rather, it’s based on the lives, personalities and gifts of extraordinary people. The story describes the development of incredible new technologies that allow these exceptional people to accomplish astonishing goals that would have otherwise been impossible. The GABRIEL CHRONICLES spans decades of technical development resulting in the capability to take the human race into space and to a new home. Most of the science in this and the other two novels, in the trilogy, are based on scientific fact or generally accepted theory.

The following explanatory notes are for the benefit of those who have not read the first novel. However, I would highly recommend reading Book 1 – The Beginning, prior to reading this novel.

The first book in the trilogy, The Gabriel Chronicles - Book 1 The Beginning, follows the life of Alexander Gabriel, a brilliant investment broker who is shot back in time to begin his life over starting at age eight. Alex, after coming to terms with the horror of being hurled back to his childhood, realizes he is now forearmed with an immense knowledge of the future investment world and recognizes his extraordinary potential to amass a vast fortune.

His new life proceeds with few difficulties for over two decades. Then things start to go horribly wrong. Acts of betrayal, murder and Islamic terror shatter Alex Gabriel’s world and thrust him toward his ultimate destiny. He begins using his infinite wealth to radically alter the world. He puts together a council of intellectuals, and collectively they create the World Guidance Council, (WGC). Their goal is to forge a world devoid of the multitude of horrors that are rapidly consuming this planet.

This is a brief description of the main characters in Book 1- The Beginning. The same characters appear in all three novels.

Alexander Gabriel is tall, blond and highly intelligent. He was the driving force in creating the World Guidance Council. After the WGC’s takeover of the Earth’s governments was complete and the residual major and minor challenges were reduced to a manageable level, Alexander Gabriel happily relinquished control of the WGC. Not one to spend his life watching the world pass by, Alex set his mind to other things— Extraordinary things.

Vance Youngblood is a retired SEAL captain. He is of average height and powerfully built, has an olive complexion, menacing dark eyes, and wavy black hair that starts low on his forehead. He is very bright and clearly not a man to be trifled with. Vance provided security for Alexander Gabriel and his family before providing security for the world wide WGC.

Dale Isley is a small, tidy, nice looking man. He has brown hair and a manicured beard and is considered one of the greatest minds in history. Among his many accomplishments, he designed the weapon that allowed the WGC to take over all of Earth’s governments and enforce mankind’s conformity to the new laws imposed by the WGC.

Teddy Oldaker-Stoddard is as warm, entertaining, funny and caring individual as can be found. He is a born entertainer and a lifelong friend of Alexander Gabriel; he appears in all three novels.

Jason Gould is very tall, thin, dark and a brilliant media tactician. He is a dear friend and partner of Alexander Gabriel.

The Gabriel Chronicles is a fascinating topical story with unusual and thought-provoking solutions for today’s major problems of terrorism, over population, worldwide corruption and wars.

PROLOGUE

HAMAH, SYRIA

AUGUST 18, 2016

1:30 a.m.

I t was a moonless, starless night- as dark as it gets. A well-worn panel truck was quietly making its way through the nearly empty streets of Hamah. After a series of turns it slowed and stopped in an alley behind a nondescript two-story home in a middle class neighborhood. After a moment, the engine was turned off and the driver’s side door opened. A second or two later a middle-aged man, donning a long gray beard and dressed in the simple clothes of a workman emerged, leaving the door ajar. He paused for a moment and casually looked around. At that late hour the only sign of human activity was the faint sound of a TV still on a few houses down and a dog barking in the distance. Seemingly satisfied he walked to the garage door, unlocked and opened it and returned to the truck. He slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine and deftly backed it into the garage. After turning off the engine he got out and again looked around before closing the door from the inside. Within seconds, five men in black robes, toting large, heavy-looking duffel bags stepped out of the rear of the truck and entered the home.

CHAPTER 1

GABRIEL MANSION

MARIANA

THE HANLY JORDAN NEWS HOUR

August 21, 2016

6:45 p.m.

A fter a commercial break, the television picture returned to a live shot of Dan Jordan and Bob Hanly sitting behind their desk on the set. Hanly was checking his notes; Jordan was looking into the camera. Within seconds, the screen changed to a solo shot of Dan Jordan.

Now, we’re going to switch to the Gabriel Mansion on the island nation of Mariana for the scheduled news conference, said Dan Jordan.

The picture changed to a spectacular low level zoom shot starting at ocean’s shore and quickly traveled two hundred meters up an expansive and beautifully manicured grounds stopping at a wide marble stairway. This impressive stairway served the west entrance of the Gabriel mansion—the seat of the World’s government. Between the top of the stares and the massive doors leading to the interior of the mansion was an spacious, elegantly crafted granite veranda. Presently the veranda held two dozen or so men and women in the process of parting company. All seemed to be in a good mood. Many were posing with other dignitaries while assistants or wait-staff took pictures of them shaking hands and or hugging.

The picture switched to a split screen with Bob Hanly on one side while the other half remained with the comings and goings on the veranda.

Looks like the meeting of the directors of the World Guidance Council has concluded. It should be just a few minutes before we begin our scheduled news conference, said Bob. "We are led to believe, there is going a be significant announcement made by the heads of the WGC. Speculation has it that it has something to do with the world’s monetary system.

We’ll wait for the announcement, said Dan.

The screen switched back to full screen of the activity on the veranda.

Not hard to spot Jason Gould in the crowd, said Bob.

The picture zoomed in on Jason.

No, I’ll say not. Even at sixty he doesn’t seem to have shrunk much. Still a good six four, I’d guess, and pretty slim. Mr. Gabriel has jokingly said that Chairman Gould always reminded him of a Lebanese basketball player because of his height, weight and dark complexion.

That dark hair is mostly gray now.

I can relate to that.

The man is actually smiling.

That’s a rarity. He is normally quite stoic - at least in public.

It’s interesting to note that he and Alex Gabriel have been partners, collaborators and close friends since their early twenties, said Bob. Together they built financial and media empires that are second to none.

There is no second place for any of their endeavors, said Bob, they are just too far ahead of the pack.

Mr. Gabriel is the financial genius and Chairman Gould is unmatched in his brilliance in manipulating public opinion. His handling of the news media during the WGC’s world takeover allowed that extraordinary undertaking to succeed with little world-wide panic.

A panic that could have easily resulted in massive riots and considerable loss of life.

That achievement alone was nothing short of brilliant, said Bob.

There’s Alex Gabriel saying goodbye to the British Finance Minister, said Dan.

The shot went to Alexander Gabriel. Alex was now 62. His blond hair was thinning and graying. He too was smiling. His extraordinary blue eyes seemed to have an extra gleam today.

That man is still universally regarded as the most powerful man in the world despite the fact that he no longer holds any formal rank in the WGC.

When you control that much money you don’t need rank, responded Bob.

I just spotted Douglas Ito, the Treasurer of the WGC — just off to the left of Chairman Gould.

A camera picked up the short, impeccably dressed white haired Asian man who was a full head and a half shouter the Jason Gould. He was shaking hands and speaking to an older well-dressed lady.

That man has not aged since I’ve been in the news business.

I believe Mr. Ito will be 90 on his next birthday.

He’s timeless… and I might add, shrewd, cunning and a numbers wizard.

And then some.

There’s Alexandra Greenwood, the WGC’s President, said Dan as the view switched to Alexandra.

She, as everybody knows, is Alexander’s cousin and by all accounts, an extremely capable person.

If she weren’t, she wouldn’t be here.

No, no she wouldn’t.

It’s hard to tell which one is more stoic, Jason Gould or Alexandra.

She is certainly straight laced and some say, almost humorless.

Bob smiled, You’d almost expect her to wear her hair in a tight bun.

I understand she doesn’t wear any makeup, but she is still a rather striking woman – quite attractive rather than beautiful like her mother, remarked Dan.

Nobody, and I mean nobody is as beautiful as her mother, said Bob.

Dan smiled, You’ve always had a crush on Colleen Gabriel.

Me and about two billion other heterosexual men on this planet.

Dan nodded knowingly.

The screen switched to a picture of a dignified handsome black woman in her late sixties. Her gray hair was cut short and tidy.

And Joan Hocket has just walked out on the veranda, said Dan, The head of the WGC’s International Social Programs. Quite a gal.

She certainly has an interesting background, added Bob.

There’s a woman who went through a massive ideological conversion many years back.

Indeed, she started out as a liberal Berkeley graduate and set off to right the wrongs she felt society was imposing on the less fortunate minority groups. Dr. Hocket was so effective, after just five years, she was appointed the Director of Social Services for the State of California. After a few years, according to her autobiography, she became disenchanted with the welfare system. She tried to change the policies that, according to her, were not helping those they were charged to help, but were actually destroying whatever hope they may have had. It was about that time that she was introduced to Alexander Gabriel.

She was the major player in putting the social system and society together on the island nation of Mariana. Now it’s considered one of the garden spots of the world. Then Mr. Gabriel put her in charge of doing the same thing for the remainder of the planet.

The rest is history, as they say.

There he is, exclaimed Bob.

Hard to miss, said Dan.

The picture switched just in time to see Vance Youngblood walk out of the interior of the mansion onto the veranda. Vance wasn’t much taller than five ten but he was wide – at least at the shoulders. There were few men in the world who could match the bulk of Vance’s delts. At first glance they seemed unnatural. Below those shoulders was a large muscled chest, a relatively narrow waist and tree-trunk legs. This was one powerful looking human being. Nearing the age of 70, Vance’s body wasn’t as massive as it had been in his prime, nevertheless it could still evoke envy in an athlete half his age. His cold brown eyes still held considerable menace. His hair was now totally gray, but still lay thick and low on his forehead.

Other than Alex Gabriel himself, Vance Youngblood has to be the most recognizable person on the planet.

People realized some time back that Vance wasn’t just the physical power behind Alex, but has an extremely keen mind to boot. He carried a 4 point average throughout high school and college. Joined the navy, became a SEAL, was highly decorated in a couple of well-known conflicts and retired as a Seal captain.

He’s been in charge of security for Gabriel Industries and the WGC for over 38 years.

It is well documented as to what he did to the terrorists who kidnapped and killed Alex’s parents. Fanatics have stayed clear of the Gabriels from that point on. You do not want to upset this man.

That’s certainly a lesson you wouldn’t want to learn the hard way.

Nooo.

All that was recent history but history none the less. The WGC has pretty much remade the world order. Islamic terror has been all but eliminated worldwide.

They are still looking for Muqbel bin Shajea the mastermind behind the Gabriel’s kidnapping and murders, said Dan.

I would not want to be in his sandals when they find him.

Looks like the news conference is about to start. The WGC members are taking their seats, said Bob.

The picture switched to a shot of those six people sitting at a long, simply decorated table in the shade of the veranda. There were four cameras covering this event, but just a single reporter, Lara Lions. One camera was on Lara; the others covered the six people at the table. These cameras fed worldwide to all the major networks and the networks, in turn, provided access to all local and regional stations.

Lara Lions was just 23 when she went to work for FOX News and had, in two short years, become the world’s most watched news personality. Lara had a quick wit to go along with her charming personality, and a professionalism normally associated with a much older reporter. The fact that she was an remarkably attractive redhead was a bonus.

After a glut of requests from hundreds of news sources worldwide asking to embed a news team on the island, the leadership of the WGC determined that their island nation was too small to house and feed such an army of reporters. They elected to have one reporter represent all of the networks. To determine who should hold this coveted post, the WGC hierarchy took a poll; Lara Lions received all of the votes and shortly thereafter was offered the much-coveted position of being the exclusive news reporter for the WGC. The major networks grudgingly approved her selection for the job — they had little choice. Lara’s position was not as press secretary as such, but rather she carried out the job traditionally carried out by dozens of reporters from all over the world. In effect and in a small way, the leadership of the WGC changed the way news conferences were conducted, at least on their island. Lara was fair and would not only ask her own questions, but also the best selection of questions submitted by the networks.

These six at the table had just concluded a major world economic conference and were now ready to hold the news conference to announce the completion of a major goal of the WGC.

The television picture switched to Jason Gould.

Jason was smiling as he began to talk, We are extremely pleased to announce that after four years of concentrated effort, the majority of the world’s leaders have, as of today, agreed to changeover to a single monetary system, the WEC. Jason paused for a second before continuing, WEC, for the few of you who don’t already know, stands for World Economic Currency and it is pronounced weck. It will be, as of January 1, 2017, the only accepted legal tender worldwide.

We predicted it would take three years to make this change, but it’s taken four. The lessons learned after the euro’s introduction in 1999 exposed a multitude of deficiencies in planning. These deficiencies were, of course, taken into consideration and corrected in our development of the WEC. Runaway unearned benefits, or so-called entitlements, will not be tolerated by the WGC. All nations will provide exactly the same social benefits, including health care, pensions, and retirement benefits based on an individual’s lifetime contributions to those programs. And all health care and retirement programs will be fully funded as part of an employee’s compensation package. Given that is now the law, the value of the WEC cannot be affected from nation to nation, as the euro was in the past. Jason paused for a moment. The international use of the WEC will provide all peoples of the world a strong, stable and secure currency. Again Jason paused, looked at Lara and smiled. We will now take your questions, Lara.

Thank you, Chairman Gould. Is this WGC’s last major goal?

It’s the last major goal to be accomplished. We’re still in the process of building the hospitals and medical facilities required to serve all peoples of this planet and we believe that massive task will be completed within the next three years. And, of course, we’re still trying to get the world’s population under control.

Will there ever be an end to that endeavor, sir?

Yes.

Yes? That’s it, Mr. Chairman? Lara smiled.

I’ll just add that there will be several countries changing leadership within the next six months.

Would you care to name those countries?

They know who they are, said Jason. And, for the sake of diplomacy and expediency, there will be no more questions today on that subject. Jason smiled slightly.

Lara knew enough to drop the subject. None of the people sitting at this table would tolerate being badgered. It was quite clear when no meant no. May I direct my question to Mr. Youngblood?

Of course, said Jason.

Lara turned to Vance. Although he was forty years her senior, it was clear to any observant person that she was smitten by this extraordinary man. There was certainly some chemistry between them.

Mr. Youngblood, the camera switched to Vance, although terrorism has been reduced to less than 5% of its past highs, there are still a few active cells in the Mid-east. Can you tell me, sir, will you ever be able to completely stop terrorism?

Vance smiled at Lara. If I were thirty years younger I would sure take a run at this young lady, he thought for the hundredth time. But what he said was, Oh, hell yeah. There are just a few crazy sumbitches out there stirring up trouble and killing innocent people, but just a few. Those bastards are having trouble recruiting new crazies because of our policy of feeding their worthless carcasses to pigs. The head dipshits can’t seem to convince the lesser dipshits that they will still get their 72 virgins, even if they are turned into pig crap. Vance said seriously.

Everybody laughed, including Lara, the cameramen, and the members of the WGC. Vance was always a favorite of reporters because of his complete candor. You could always depend on him to use colorful language. To anyone’s knowledge, Vance had no real sense of humor, but he didn’t seem to mind if his statements got an occasional laugh. However, no one—but no one—would ever think to laugh at Vance. But then again, laughing at his way of stating his opinion didn’t seem to bother him.

Thank you, sir, for that descriptive answer, said Lara as she all but winked at Vance. I would like to ask Mr. Gabriel a question if I may?

Vance politely nodded.

Mr. Gabriel, it’s been ten years since you resigned your chairmanship of the WGC and arguably turned the power over to Chairman Gould. How do you feel about the progress of the world since that time?

First, there is no argument as to my turning the leadership of the WGC over to Chairman Gould. He is the boss, and I might add, a great one. For all practical purposes, Chairman Gould and I have been partners in nearly every facet of our lives since we were in our early twenties. We think alike and all our decisions, major and minor, throughout this time, have been made in concert.

Although you don’t hold a formal title in the WGC, would you agree that you still wield a great deal of influence over the decisions and actions of the WGC?

No, I don’t agree. When I retired from the WGC, I retired from the WGC. I rarely get involved in any of the decisions or actions taken by the WGC. I give my opinion only when asked.

Lara smiled and turned back to Jason Gould. Mr. Chairman, do you agree with Mr. Gabriel’s assessment of his relationship with the WGC?

Jason smiled. Without question, Lara. As a matter of fact, unless we ask him for his opinion, we’re not going to get it. Mr. Gabriel has an uncanny mind for simplifying the seemingly complicated and his foresight is astounding. Given all that, we still try to hold our requests to a minimum.

Well, that should put to rest any opinions to the contrary. Lara turned back to Alex, as she nodded in acknowledgment of the truth of Jason Gould’s statement. So, Mr. Gabriel, how do you feel the world is progressing under the leadership of the WGC?

The state of the world and its record answers that. The condition of the planet and its people is currently in a place that could not have been conceived of two decades ago. Quite literally, the world has become a place where all its peoples have gained a much brighter future. I am extremely proud of what the world, under the guidance of the WGC, has accomplished.

As well you should be, sir. However, this reporter cannot believe that you, Alexander Gabriel, the man that led the WGC in the incomprehensible but complete takeover of the world’s governments is just sitting around in a rocking chair watching time go by.

Well no, I’ve got other projects that occupy my time. I’m still putting in some pretty long days.

Would you like to share with the world what those projects might be, sir?

Not at this time, Lara. Loose lips, as they say. But, in a year or two we might have something exciting to share.

Can you give us a hint?

Not yet. It’s been my experience that once a hint is given, the questions never stop, so we’ll wait a year or two before we let this cat out of the bag.

Then, I guess we’ll have to wait. Thank you, sir. Lara smiled as she turned toward Joan Hocket. Madam Secretary, how would you describe the state of the social programs that you and the WGC have instituted over the past decade?

Over all, started Joan, "I’m extremely pleased. We have all but eliminated starvation in all corners of the world. In parts of the Middle East and parts of Africa, there are still a few people living in the Stone Age whom we can’t seem to convince to take the offered help. But, they amount to less than 3% of the world’s population.

Worldwide unemployment is at an all-time low. Health care is at an all-time high and improving daily. A good education is now available to 81% of the world’s children. We have some work to do in a few Islamic countries. Slowly but surely, as they say. Joan all but rolled her eyes. Aid to the truly needy has improved dramatically since we eliminated most aid to the world’s freeloaders. So, to repeat myself, I am extremely pleased."

Thank you, Madam Secretary. Lara turned to Alexandra.

Madam President, you had some massive shoes to fill with the retirement of your cousin. And by all accounts, you have filled them with great skill and wisdom.

Alexandra smiled which made her look even more like her beautiful mother, Colleen. I have not had to run the WGC all by myself. Chairman Gould and the rest of the WGC leadership and I work in concert, as was the case with my cousin. My success was ensured when you take into consideration the fact that all my life I’ve had the best role models and environment imaginable. I was not only raised and nurtured by my wonderful parents, but by these incredible people sitting here with me today. Some of their knowledge and abilities were bound to rub off on me. Alexandra smiled again, I don’t think anyone could ever fill my cousin’s shoes. But thank you for suggesting that might be the case.

Not at all, Madam President. It is clear to me, and I’m certain most of the world, that you have inherited another Gabriel trait—humility.

I don’t know what to say to that.

No response is required, ma’am. Thank you. Lara smiled and turned to her right. I would like to direct my last question to Secretary Ito.

The cameras moved to frame the white haired gentleman on the left side of the table. Douglas Ito’s eyes, even at his advanced age, still held a bright sparkle of wisdom.

Mr. Secretary, it has been widely reported that over the past several years, vast amounts of money, all supplied by Alex Gabriel, have been spent in the construction and reconstruction of nearly half the world’s nations. So much money, in fact, that Gabriel Industries and Gabriel International may be close to bankruptcy. Would you care to comment on that?

A rare smile crossed Douglas Ito’s face. Although it’s true that Mr. Gabriel has provided an unimaginable amount of money to the world, estimated at one point at nearly three quarters of his fortune, I am smiling because he still has a couple of WECs left in the bank. Gabriel companies have no chance of becoming insolvent and never have had. As a matter of fact, now that the heavy spending has tapered off, Mr. Gabriel’s fortune is now rebuilding at a steady pace.

Lara smiled. That is good news. She turned to Alex. Can we assume that you will continue to provide the funds necessary for the world to continue its remarkable rebuilding?

Yes. Alex paused for a moment. I’ve been blessed with the skills and knowledge to make a great deal of money over my lifetime. I never really considered that fortune as truly mine. I always felt that someday I would be compelled to do something remarkable with it. In these past few years, I realized that the wealth I accumulated has always been and will continue to be earmarked for the benefit of the world. Alex smiled, I, however, will maintain the right, along with the members of the WGC, to spend it as we see fit.

I humbly offer my personal thanks, as well as those that come from the vast majority of this planet’s population, for all you’ve done and are doing for our betterment.

Thank you.

You are a remarkable man, sir. Thank you and the members of the WGC again for all you’ve accomplished. Lara turned to one of the cameras. Back to you, Dan and Bob.

The picture returned to the studio and to the set of the Hanly Jordan News Hour.

Well Dan, I still remain amazed at the consistent candor of the leadership of the WGC. I find it refreshing, even after all these years.

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Uniformed staff stood in the background, ready to pour more liquid refreshments or remove empty plates as the moment dictated.

A toast, Jason raised his glass of tea, To the WEC, the world’s only currency.

All raised their glasses and smiled as they toasted this monumental event.

It’s been a trying four years, said Alex.

If the Stone Age Muslims had pulled their heads out of their asses sooner, the transition would have been completed a year ago, added Vance. His dislike for almost anything Muslim was common knowledge.

They did slow things down a bit, agreed Douglas Ito.

A bit? said Vance, If we hadn’t cut them off from all international commerce, they never would have switched over… ignorant bastards.

On a much lighter note, said Alex changing the subject, Teddy Jr. is going to be 11 years old in three days.

No way, responded Vance.

Time flies… as they say, said Jason with a smile.

Vance was clearly perplexed, Shit! I forgot. I’ve got to get something in the mail to him.

We’ve been a bit busy, said Alex.

Teddy Oldaker grew up living next door to Alex and since they were toddlers, had been as close as two friends could be. In 1985 Teddy was killed in a random act of violence by street thugs. But, before his death, Teddy’s wonderful enthusiasm, warmth and sense of humor greatly altered Vance’s stoic personality. No one had seen Vance laugh prior to meeting Teddy but after that first encounter, Vance’s personality improved to an astonishing degree.

Teddy was a natural born entertainer who went on to become an international movie star and was posthumously awarded an Oscar for best actor.

Vance’s deep affection for Teddy transferred to his clone, Teddy Jr. or Junior, as he is now called. His affection for Teddy was never understood by anyone, since from all appearances, they seemed to have nothing in common. But, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Vance would give his life for this boy, regardless of whether he was a clone or not.

His mom tells me that Junior loves old movies. And old big band music, offered Alex.

Oh?

And there are several sights on the Internet that have such items for sale.

Thanks, Alex, I’ll…

A quiet chime interrupted the conversation.

Excuse me, said Vance, breaking off the conversation. He reached into his shirt pocket and retrieved his phone.

Vance here.

He listened for a moment before asking, How reliable is this intel? Vance’s eyes narrowed as he listened for another moment. Transfer your file to my computer and be in my office in 15 minutes. He pushed a button and returned the phone to his pocket.

Important?

Could be. Another spotting of bin Shajea. This time in Syria.

That is one elusive bastard, said Jason as he took a sip of iced tea. So elusive, he continued, that we haven’t been able to get an Auratron fix on him in all these years. The man is truly crafty.

If we had his aura recorded, that rat bastard would have died a long time ago, said Vance.

No doubt, said Alex.

It’s probably just another case of someone trying to collect the million WECs reward, it’s probably a case of mistaken identity, but I have to check it out. Vance wiped his mouth and hands with his